Flags and Footballs

I was asked to do a one hour podcast this week with “Drive On Podcast” hosted by Scott DeLuzio! It was a terrific experience, diving into the depths of my personal combat experiences, and the challenges I faced when I returned home, along with countless other Veterans. Meanwhile, also discussing post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and Moral Injury. I don’t think Moral Injury gets enough attention it deserves, and something we often times ignore. We got down and dirty on the podcast and I didn’t hold back. It’s the way to foster growth!! Helping others, especially my veteran brothers and sisters.

The podcast will air sometime in September, but you can follow them on Facebook, instagram, LinkedIn.

“Drive On Podcast”

Driveonpodcast.com

HTTPS://flagsandfootballs.etsy.com

We sure love photos being sent to us of our Flags And Footballs!! I want to extend a big thank you to Doug Cassidy for sending me this fantastic picture, and I’m so thrilled your son loves the ball!!! It’s on “top”, right where it belongs!!! Thanks a lot, brother 🏈🇺🇸🏈🇺🇸🏈🇺🇸😊

Https://flagsandfootballs.etsy.com

Not a bad Father’s Day gift, ehh!! I’m so glad you’re happy with the ball, Wayne!! Football season is right around the corner!! I can’t wait.🏈😊🏈😊🏈

Https://flagsandfootballs.etsy.com

Happy 4h of July here from Flags and Footballs!! Please have a safe and very enjoyable weekend!! And remember those that have worn the uniform and protected this great nation for the past 250 years!! Where would we be if those men and women didn’t don the uniform, raise their right and swear the oath!!

Cheers to 250 years!!🇺🇸💪🇺🇸💪🇺🇸💪🇺🇸💪mm

Https://flagsandfootballs.etsy.com

I was asked by the VA to come up to the Indianapolis metro area and share my personal combat story to police and detectives from the Lawrence Police Department, for the better part of an hour.

I focused heavily on my combat stories, then segueing into a deep dive on MTBI’s (mild traumatic brain injury), PTSD, and moral injury. I think moral injury is gaining more traction these days, as I believe sometimes it can be the root cause of a veteran in distress. Not always physiological.

The audience had many questions after my presentation, and a few them told me they were really moved by my talk, and that they have had some negative interactions with some veterans, and it never dawned on them that the veteran may be experiencing problems related to his or her brain injury. I felt really good after the talk, and I hope I was able to lend them more insight related to veterans and their struggles.

And I received some really nice comments and feedback after the presentation. And the Lawrence Police Department could not have been more welcoming to me, and plan to have me back next year.

Thank you LPD.😊🇺🇸

Thank you Pete Kennedy for sending and posting a picture of your new beautiful custom solid cedar football and our class “Rustic Flag”. They are a winning combination, and I’m so glad you’re happy with them! They look fantastic!!

Https://flagsandfootballs.etsy.com

Every cadet graduating from our military academy’s could use one these beauties. Like this one, engraved with the United States Naval Academy emblem along with the cadet’s name and graduation date. A timeless piece that he or she will treasure and remind them of their selfless acts of service to our country!! 😊💪🇺🇸

Good luck Robert, congratulations, and thank you for your service!!

HTTPS://flagsandfootballs.etsy.com

Memorial Day felt different yesterday compared to any other I've experienced. Maybe it's because I started writing out my journal one year ago today and have continued writing my manuscript just like I was earlier this morning. But then I realized, I'm not writing this journal into a manuscript for me. I felt this powerful emotion overtake me as I was thinking about Memorial Day. Maybe the writing has continued to swirl memories inside my head, reliving and feeling them as if they were present tense; feeling a strong connection to my military brothers with whom I shared the battlefields.

Or maybe it was the long overdue phone call I had on Saturday with one of my best friends in the Army, Ryan Mcdermott. We talked for over two hours and what felt like was only 10 minutes. We talked about war stories, good, bad, and the ugly. We talked about our families and how they are doing. But also talked in depth about our own struggles moving past the war. We shared how different we felt when we left the service and entered back into the civilian world. And the amount of effort it has taken to feel connected to society again, today. Ryan is one of my blood brothers, and no matter how long we go without talking to each other, our sacred bond always glues a comfortable conversation, no matter how dark it may lead, we always end on a positive note with a couple of laughs.

Then we talked about the brothers we lost, and their traumatic stories that forever shifted their families, because of the ultimate sacrifice they gave. I was teary-eyed thinking about them. Thinking about how much life they missed out on, particularly with their families. So, I felt this strong urge to go to a Memorial Day Ceremony, but I wanted this one to be just me and my dog Mac. I wanted to clearly focus and think about the brothers I know that my unit lost. They are the reason I went. And they will always be the reason why I will continue to attend these ceremonies. They represent the ultimate sacrifice for our country and deserve every ounce of respect! May my brothers and sisters rest in peace, knowing the true definition of Duty, Honor, and Country!

Not looking too shabby!!!🇺🇸. Now it’s time to assemble the flag!!!

Https://flagsandfootballs.Etsy.com